No. 249

World Water Day 2012: The importance of water's critical role in the world

Today focuses one of the most important resources on earth – water. March 22 is World Water Day (WWD), an annual event that raises awareness about the importance of clean and safe water and the "sustainable management of freshwater resources."

In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution making World Day for Water an annual event to be observed annually on March 22nd. The first World Water Day was held in 1993.

While many of us take it for granted each time we turn on the faucet, millions of people do not have easy and affordable access to clean and safe water. In fact, 1 in 8 people in the world lack safe drinking water. And billions do not have toilets. One out of every 5 people in the world lack adequate sanitation. Over 80 percent of sewage in developing countries is “discharged untreated," polluting rivers and lakes.

Each year, the international observance highlights different themes. For instance, 2010 focused on Water Quality, 2008 focused on Sanitation, 2007 on Water Scarcity and 2001 focused on Water for Health. This year's theme is Water and Food Security.

Read more |  examiner.com, 22.03.12

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